# Self-Sufficient Space Travel Tokyo Research's Project Turns Space Urine into Plant Fertilizer By Kalin Ned | Published 2021-01-06 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfsufficient-space-travel References: [bigthink](https://bigthink.com/technology-innovation/urine-space-fertilizer?rebelltitem=4#rebelltitem4) & [tus.ac.jp](https://www.tus.ac.jp/en/mediarelations/archive/20201214_2233.html) Self-sufficient space travel is "an important step toward figuring out our [space station future](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dianai-solar-sailer)." Scientists from [Tokyo University of Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kazoo-sato) have conducted research and developed a way to convert human urine into ammonia fertilizer for growing food." The team was led by Norihiro Suzuki and all findings are published in the form of a letter in the New Journal of Chemistry. The big idea rests on the fact that [nitrogen-rich animal waste](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nitrogendriven-recovery-boost) is one of the most successful, and eco-conscious, types of fertilizer. The research team has been working on producing ammonia (nitrogen + oxygen) derived from urine. "This process is of interest from the perspective of making a useful product," asserts Suzuki, "i.e., ammonia, from a waste product, i.e., urine, using common equipment at atmospheric pressure and room temperature." Image Credit: Robert Kneschke/William W. Potter/Adobe Stock/Big Think ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Self-sufficient Space Travel:** Converting human waste into plant fertilizer for space travel can revolutionize the way we approach food production in zero-gravity environments. - **Eco-friendly Fertilizers:** Developing ammonia fertilizer from waste products can revolutionize the agriculture industry by reducing waste and promoting sustainability. - **Alternative Resource Utilization:** Efficiently utilizing waste products like human urine can transform industries and lead to sustainable innovations. ### Who This Affects Most - **Space Exploration Industry:** By creating self-sufficient space travel, this technology can significantly reduce costs and increase efficiency in manned missions and space exploration. - **Agriculture Industry:** The use of ammonia fertilizer from waste products can lead to eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural practices, reducing environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency. - **Waste Management and Recycling Industry:** Efficiently utilizing waste products like human urine can create opportunities for innovative waste management and recycling practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Enamel Technology-Forward Space Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-project.md) - [Fluorescent Nano Fertilizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nano-fertilizer.md) - [Regenerative Fuel Spatial Rovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunar-cruiser.md) - [Space Sake Brewing Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dassai-moon-project.md) - [Plant-Friendly Night Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacecrop.md) - [Sensor-Guided Fertilizer Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fertilizer-robot.md) - [Ammonia-Powered Ships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/novel-ship.md) - [Martian Toilet Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martian-toilet.md) - [Space-Age Personal Care](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naples-soap-company.md)